Photo: Yamaha
There’s no other way to put it: the new 2016 Yamaha MT-10 looks like a robotic alien bug from the future, and that’s like hitting the holy grail in the world of street motorcycle design.
With looks like those, the new bike would make a fool out of itself if it didn’t handle accordingly as well. Since it’s just its debut at a motorcycle show we’re talking about, there’s no real way of knowing exactly how it rides - unless we steal the key and go for a joyride through the stands, but that wouldn’t be a good idea since we’d end up reporting the rest of the models from the comfort of an Italian prison cell.
Still, judging from past experiences and its Yamaha YZF-R1 race track DNA, the MT-10 should prove to be full of character, and not the bad too-much-personality-mother-in-law type. After all, it sits close to the top of the Yamaha range with its 999cc cross-plane, inline-four engine developing a yet unknown amount of power.
The Yamaha MT-10 also gets some of its racier sibling’s electronic aids, namely a three-stage traction control system, a slipper clutch and three riding modes thanks to Yamaha’s “D-Mode” throttle mapping feature. This will make it less scary for those with not that much riding experience that couldn’t refrain from buying the bike due to its design.
When long-distance travels become mandatory, the Yamaha MT-10’s cruise control (available in 4th, 5th and 6th gears) will make life easier for the rider, while the shorter wheelbase (it’s actually the shortest in class at 55.1 inches or 1,400 mm) will prove useful when tearing up a twisty back road.
The MT-10’s YZF-R1-derived race-developed suspension with some revised settings to make it easier to live with on the street is going to add to its handling abilities, just like the 320 mm dual front discs with 4-pot calipers and ABS will stop the bike promptly and safely when the situation requires it.
There’s no word yet on the availability of the new 2016 Yamaha MT-10 over in the US, but it’s hard to imagine a reason why Yamaha would keep it away from such a large market. If you’re a Yamaha owner, it’s enough to see the MT-10 once, and you’ll start saving, ask about buy-back options, do a flick-flack - whatever it takes to leave home on this Ray of Darkness.
• Wide and upright tapered handlebars
• Aggressive mass forward body design
• Shortest-in-class 1,400mm wheelbase for light and neutral handling
• Lightweight aluminium Deltabox main frame with optimized strength/rigidity balance
• YZF-R1-derived race-developed suspension with revised settings
• 320mm dual front discs with radial mount 4-pot calipers with ABS
• Lean and athletic mass forward body styling with iconic MT family DNA
• 17-litre fuel tank
• Lightweight 5-spoke cast aluminium wheels
• Specially-developed Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tyres
• 12v DC outlet as standard equipment, to power Genuine Yamaha heated grips
• Newly designed LCD multi-function instrument panel
• QSS (Quick Shift System) available as an option
• Powerful and aggressive mono-focus dual LED headlights
• LED position light with newly designed lens
• LED turn signals and license plate light
Still, judging from past experiences and its Yamaha YZF-R1 race track DNA, the MT-10 should prove to be full of character, and not the bad too-much-personality-mother-in-law type. After all, it sits close to the top of the Yamaha range with its 999cc cross-plane, inline-four engine developing a yet unknown amount of power.
The Yamaha MT-10 also gets some of its racier sibling’s electronic aids, namely a three-stage traction control system, a slipper clutch and three riding modes thanks to Yamaha’s “D-Mode” throttle mapping feature. This will make it less scary for those with not that much riding experience that couldn’t refrain from buying the bike due to its design.
When long-distance travels become mandatory, the Yamaha MT-10’s cruise control (available in 4th, 5th and 6th gears) will make life easier for the rider, while the shorter wheelbase (it’s actually the shortest in class at 55.1 inches or 1,400 mm) will prove useful when tearing up a twisty back road.
The MT-10’s YZF-R1-derived race-developed suspension with some revised settings to make it easier to live with on the street is going to add to its handling abilities, just like the 320 mm dual front discs with 4-pot calipers and ABS will stop the bike promptly and safely when the situation requires it.
There’s no word yet on the availability of the new 2016 Yamaha MT-10 over in the US, but it’s hard to imagine a reason why Yamaha would keep it away from such a large market. If you’re a Yamaha owner, it’s enough to see the MT-10 once, and you’ll start saving, ask about buy-back options, do a flick-flack - whatever it takes to leave home on this Ray of Darkness.
Important features of the 2016 Yamaha MT-10:
• Natural and versatile forward leaning riding position• Wide and upright tapered handlebars
• Aggressive mass forward body design
• Shortest-in-class 1,400mm wheelbase for light and neutral handling
• Lightweight aluminium Deltabox main frame with optimized strength/rigidity balance
• YZF-R1-derived race-developed suspension with revised settings
• 320mm dual front discs with radial mount 4-pot calipers with ABS
• Lean and athletic mass forward body styling with iconic MT family DNA
• 17-litre fuel tank
• Lightweight 5-spoke cast aluminium wheels
• Specially-developed Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tyres
• 12v DC outlet as standard equipment, to power Genuine Yamaha heated grips
• Newly designed LCD multi-function instrument panel
• QSS (Quick Shift System) available as an option
• Powerful and aggressive mono-focus dual LED headlights
• LED position light with newly designed lens
• LED turn signals and license plate light
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